Author to speak about unchurched Americans who used to attend church

Published 7:00 pm, Thursday, May 13, 2010

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Citing a Barna Group report that found 40 percent of unchurched Americans used to attend church, Stephen Mansfield said his book “ReChurch: Healing Your Way Back to the People of God” targets those who fall into that percentage.

“It’s all about the great, floating mass of humanity out there who have tried church, even been devoted to church, and become hurt and offended and left church,” the author, speaker and former pastor explained.

Mansfield, author of “The Faith of George W. Bush,” “The Faith of the American Soldier” and “The Faith of Barack Obama” will be speaking at Mid-Cities Community Church on Sunday. During the 9:15 a.m. and 11 a.m. Sunday worship services, he will speak about his book “ReChurch.” During a lecture and question and answer event from 6-7:30 p.m. Sunday at the church, Mansfield will speak on current faith trends facing American culture. No registration is necessary for the free event.

“We’re just grateful to bring his leadership and his insights,” said Daniel Stephens, Mid-Cities’ senior pastor. “We wanted our leaders exposed to him — he’s a tremendous leader (who) has an interesting perspective that’s more global and more national.”

Mansfield attends a sister church to Mid-Cities in Nashville and also one in Washington, D.C., when he is in the area. Stephens has run into him in both cities and asked him to come to Midland to speak at the church.

Sunday morning’s topic, Stephens said, could help those who have felt alienated from the church, or help church members to reach out to those people.

“I think it’s going to help a lot of people,” he said. “He speaks from experience and has some testimony in that and it’s truly powerful.”

During his evening lecture, Mansfield will discuss the faces and shapes of faith in America.

“A lot of what’s happening is that our culture is working toward a reworking of traditional faith,” he said, noting many Americans who identify themselves as Christian incorporate ideas and practices from other faiths as well.

President Obama, Mansfield said, embodies this faith trend while former President Bush represents the American faith of years ago.

“Bush symbolized the typical religious experience,” he said. “Now, decades later … you have more of a younger tribe doing traditional religion in nontraditional ways.

“There’s been a decided shift in how people view traditional religion.”

Calling Mansfield a historian as well as a theologian, Stephens recommended the event for those involved in local government, teachers and anyone interested in history.

“I think he’ll be a great resource for our community and I’m looking forward to him being here with us,” he said.